Rotherfield Primary School
Growing futures

Attendance and Punctuality

For children to have the best opportunity for success in their learning the need to be on time for school and here EVERY DAY!

For many years, the attendance of children at Rotherfield has been among the lowest in Islington. Islington is also one of the worst performing boroughs in terms of attendance in the whole country! Attendance therefore, is a top priority in all schools in our borough and especially at Rotherfield!

In Autumn 2017 we employed a Home School Worker to lead an Improving Attendance Strategy so that we can make a significant and permanent improvement in our attendance levels. We must improve how much we are at school, so we have the best opportunity to succeed in our learning!

In Autumn 2017 shared our Improving Attendance Strategy with everyone, so that we can all work together on high rates of attendance in school.

Attendance

2012/13

2013/14

2014/15

2015/16

2016/17

2017/18

Whole School Attendance

94.6%

95.2%

95.3%

95.5%

95.1%

2014/15

2015/16

2016/17

2017/18

% of pupils who are persistently absent

4.3%

15.1%*

6.7%

*As of 2015/16 the Government changed the threshold for this measure from 85% to 90%.

Why should children be in school?

It is the LAW. Parents can get penalty notices if this law is broken.

It shows they are reliable

They do not miss any lessons

They increase their learning

They will do better in exams

They will be more likely to get a job

They will be safe and understand the importance of commitment (just like going to work and getting a job)

We really like your children being here!

Holidays during school term time are against the law!

Taking children on holiday or out of school during term time is against the law.
We understand that holidays during term time may cost less money, but they are still against the law.
Term time holidays are an increasingly serious issue – and the government is advising schools to take serious action where they need to in order to make sure they do not happen.
The school is not allowed to authorise absence during term time, unless there are exceptional reasons (this does NOT include sickness of a family member).
Taking unauthorised holidays could result in a penalty notice from the Local Authority.

What if my child is sick?

Coughs and sneezes are no excuse not to come to school

Being ill may prevent your child from going to school, but if they can get out of bed and play, or watch television they should be at school!